Five Tips For Study Success

Everyone’s approach to learning and study differs; whether you’re a student on campus or online, study time is a crucial element of the student experience. Here are five useful tips to set you up for study success!

Tackle Procrastination

Distractions are everywhere and can be our worst enemies, even in the quietest of study spaces. While it’s tempting to postpone projects and tasks, that pile will only grow over time, and it won’t magically shrink. Procrastination can have long-term consequences and negatively impact your well-being. Remember, taking manageable steps is still progress; embrace the little steps as they do lead to something significant. It’s just about getting that ball rolling. One first step could be to limit the use of your devices; hide them out of your study space, shut them off and set timers, or install apps that aid with concentration or block other apps entirely.

Construct Your Ideal Space

Think about yourself and how you like to study, what’s your style? Do you prefer to be in a quiet space, away from constant stimuli? Do you prefer music or some atmosphere with a nice cup of coffee? Do you prefer to be inside or outside? What helps you as a student? Create a space for yourself that is strictly for study.

In order to achieve that, the key is to create a dedicated study space that aligns with your preferences. Consider the following:

• Minimise Distractions: Identify potential distractions in your environment and do your best to eliminate them from your study space. This might mean removing your smartphone, closing unnecessary browser tabs, or finding a secluded spot away from noisy roommates.
• Comfort Matters: Ensure your study space is comfortable. Invest in a good chair and desk, ample lighting, and ergonomic accessories. A comfortable environment can boost your focus and productivity.
• Set Boundaries: Remember that this space is primarily for studying. While it’s tempting to blur the lines between work and leisure, try your best to maintain clear boundaries.

By tailoring your study environment to your unique preferences and needs, you can create an oasis of productivity that supports your academic success and helps boost your focus.

Embrace the Small Achievements

Rewards can be powerful motivators to maintain your happiness levels up during studies, so don’t forget to celebrate the small wins! Did you accomplish a goal, achieve an undisturbed hour of study, or finish an assignment early? Treat yourself to some free time, something you enjoy or an activity for the weekend. Integrating a reward system into your everyday study schedule is a healthy way to keep things fresh and engaging for yourself. The positive reinforcement from these rewards emphasises your achievements and fuels your enthusiasm for tackling the next goal.

Learn What Works For You

To excel in your studies, it’s crucial to tap into your self-awareness. What do you already know about yourself that can benefit your academic journey? Identifying your strengths and weaknesses is a significant step.

Here are some questions you can ask yourself to develop a schedule that suits you best:

• Note-Taking Preferences: Are you more effective at retaining information when you handwrite notes or type them?
• Organisation Skills: Do you thrive when your study materials are well-organised and structured?
• Passion for Your Course: Remind yourself why you chose your field of study and the aspects that genuinely excite you. This enthusiasm can be a valuable source of motivation.
• Self-Care: Prioritise self-care, including your mental health, rest, and diet. A well-balanced and healthy lifestyle is essential to sustain your energy levels and focus.
• Fresh Perspectives: Sometimes, a new perspective or a more positive mindset can make a significant difference. Experiment with different study techniques and approaches to find what suits you best.

By gaining insights into your personal learning preferences and areas where you excel, you can tailor your study strategies to maximise your potential.

Accountability and Support

Maintaining accountability is important, and there are various ways to achieve it. Having an accountability buddy to check in on how you’re doing can help with motivation, whether it be a trusted friend or a peer study group. Making lists and ticking goals off can be a great help for self-accountability as well, you can look back on your list and see how much work you’ve achieved, which can also be rewarding.

If you’re ever stuck on a question, don’t hesitate to initiate a discussion with your fellow students or reach out to your lecturer for guidance. Remember, support is always available. Discover what study tools and workspace work best for you to make your learning experience enjoyable and productive. Leverage your strengths to help you reach your academic goals.

If you need any help at UNE, the team at Advocacy and Welfare are here to help. For extra support with studies, tap into Studiosity. For mental health support, CAPS is a service provided by UNE who offer professional support to students. Reach out if you’re in need of help.